I had a chat with my Dad on the phone yesterday, and he asked me (rhetorically) why I’d bought a “Mark 1 Exige”, with it’s “Unreliable Rover engine”, and “You should have bought a Mark 2” and other such put downs. My Dad never fails to surprise me with comments such as these, as he is the owner of immaculate MG Midget, Triumph GT6 and a Series 1 E-type Jaguar, so is a petrolhead through and through.
When I had my Elise, it wasn’t the most reliable of cars, but it was generally the alternator that failed on occassion and other odds and sods that kept it off the road.
So anyway, I thought of all the clever answers after out conversation was finished, but to be fair it’s pissed me off a bit, so now I’d like you all to tell me why you went for the S1 over an S2…even though I know the main answer for me are the looks.
S1 is quicker (than all but the quickest S2 variants), lighter, more raw, has more attitude, more cool and is rarer. It’s the one that in future will be lusted after (Like the S1 E-Type).
It’s unreliable, but in years to come, it’s not reliability that people want in classic cars. I’ll bet a Ferrari 250GTO takes a fair bit to keep on the road, but that doesn’t seem to deter buyers
Yeah the rarity factor is the sensible reason I guess. For me too its also the looks and the rawness. I’ve owned both at the same time and the S1 just hits parts that other variants can not reach!!
I think the Exige S1 passes as far rarer, more reliable and frankly more desirable classic than an MG Midget … at least The Prince of darkness, Mr Lucas is absent
The S1 is a racecar for the road, literally (almost). Race it on Sunday, sell it on Monday (without a rollcage, etc).
Lotus seemed to move away from the Exige philosophy with the S2. More weight, less aero, higher ride, more understeer, etc.
Oh, plus I didn’t buy an S2 because they didn’t exist! And haven’t switched. Stuff like ABS and traction control remove a chunk of driver from the equation and as far as I am concerned the S1 is the last of a breed for rawness/purity.
I think long term they will both be sought over cars, the difference will come down to price and availability, if you can’t afford an S1 you might buy a more affordable S2.
I do wish I had now bought an S1 and had an engine conversion done, however it wasn’t really an option as I was buying the S2 as a road car with occasional track use, by the time it had turned into a track car with occasional road use I was too far down the line to change to an S1 and have enough left to turn it into the track car I wanted. If I ever have enough money I will have both
Dunno about reliability of S2, a friend’s got one for 7 years, door mirror broke twice when slamming (normally) the door, rear lights falled, front light covers crackled… Even when still under Lotus warranty, the replacement parts were the same sh…y condition. Lotus must be some sort of basic computer bought by a game addict… You keep on upgrading with other bits (PS love my S1, but I’m in the classic cars business so I don’t see it as my everyday reliable transport)
I must agree with the sentiments of Ian above. Having run an Elise 111R for 20k miles in two years, I couldn’t see how an S2 Exige could be better as a road car - worse visibility, compromised roof and actually a little heavier. However, the S1 is truly the last road racer. It’s angry, it’s noisy, it stinks of petrol but it drives like a racing car. It turns in so hard and so aggressively and the engine is just ridiculous. It requires total effort every time your drive anywhere. I’ve never driven another car which asks so much of me, whether hooning across my favourite Moors road, or simply traversing town. You sweat, you’re deaf and your leg hurts from working the brake pedal. It’s a hugely involved and involving drive.
One word for me - soul
Also I’ve always owned british cars - MGs, Triumphs, TVRs etc. But the S2, with its Jap engine just doesn’t seem right!
IMHO of course
Alex
I think you should get call screening and ignore your Dad in future.
Are you sure he’s not just playing with you? With his garage of cars, I would just tell him that you must have inherited his defective genes, albeit that yours have a touch more class .
Interesting to hear people talk of rawness - I think of this very much in terms of the VHPD - can’t quite see the car being as raw with a Honda or Audi lump.
As an S2 owner, an 06 s/c car, thought I would add my comments. Was out on a run on Friday (wedding avoidance) and in the group was a very nice S1. Comparing both, the S1 appeals to the heart - styling, road racer image and just about everything in terms of fit for purpose. Lovely The S2 is the mind exerting pressures of compromise. It is more productionised, civilised and, I suspect, a bit more reliable or requiring less ongoing fettling. I also happen to love the supercharger overlay as the thing winds through 8000 rpm. An aftermarket exhaust has fixed the engine noise. Both are fantastic to drive and a priviledge to own. The S1 has more appeal but for me the S2 is the more practical. Which is the fastest I am sure will depend more on the driver and the available space!!
[quote=chevronb37]I must agree with the sentiments of Ian above. Having run an Elise 111R for 20k miles in two years, I couldn’t see how an S2 Exige could be better as a road car - worse visibility, compromised roof and actually a little heavier. However, the S1 is truly the last road racer. It’s angry, it’s noisy, it stinks of petrol but it drives like a racing car. It turns in so hard and so aggressively and the engine is just ridiculous. It requires total effort every time your drive anywhere. I’ve never driven another car which asks so much of me, whether hooning across my favourite Moors road, or simply traversing town. You sweat, you’re deaf and your leg hurts from working the brake pedal. It’s a hugely involved and involving drive.
It is simply astounding. [/quote]
Still enjoying it, then?
[quote=thommo][quote=chevronb37]I must agree with the sentiments of Ian above. Having run an Elise 111R for 20k miles in two years, I couldn’t see how an S2 Exige could be better as a road car - worse visibility, compromised roof and actually a little heavier. However, the S1 is truly the last road racer. It’s angry, it’s noisy, it stinks of petrol but it drives like a racing car. It turns in so hard and so aggressively and the engine is just ridiculous. It requires total effort every time your drive anywhere. I’ve never driven another car which asks so much of me, whether hooning across my favourite Moors road, or simply traversing town. You sweat, you’re deaf and your leg hurts from working the brake pedal. It’s a hugely involved and involving drive.
It is simply astounding. [/quote]
Still enjoying it, then? [/quote]
I would never want to mention anything about S2s and Hairdressers I’m far too …Naughty… .
(runs for cover from all the S/C S2 guys.)
The S1 is the only car STMBO has encouraged me to keep…maybe its because it keeps me out of the house (in the garage)
The S2 is to Lotus as the 997 is to Porsche 911…Still a great car but "softened " to appeal to a wider audience and no doubt to conform to some daft “Euro” law.
Just go out and have FUN in whatever Lotus you have…before the brand is history.
And haven’t switched. Stuff like ABS and traction control remove a chunk of driver from the equation and as far as I am concerned the S1 is the last of a breed for rawness/purity.
.
